anyone still using the Shure 55S series?

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camus

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What do these mics sound like, and are they any use in the studio? The "Look! It's Elvis' mic!" appeal is nice, but I'm wondering if there's any practical use in getting one of these. Opinions much appreciated, thanks!
 
You know, I've found a use for just about every mic in the cabinet, except the 55. It sounds OK on an amp cab, and I've used it on stage a few times for rockabilly authenticity, but, generally speaking, nothing really jumps out on the 55 for me in the studio...
And I've got the 556S, which is, according to the Shure catalog of the day, the "deluxe version of the 55S. Constructed and tested within extremely close tolerances to give improved frequency response from 40 to 15,000cps." The 556S sold for $79.38 in the fifties, whereas the standard 55S went for $48.80--quite a difference. The 556S has an XLR on it, which is nice. The bottom half of it looks exactly like an SM33, with the shockmount system.
 
Pretty good

I scored a 55s used a few years back for $40, and I have found that it has some usefull aplications. I use it on snare quite a bit when I want something with a little more low end roundness than the tired old sm57 sound, though the placement has to be thought out due to it's omni pickup pattern. Also decent for vocals with the right singer, though a little boomy. For the price I paid, it was certainly worth it to add another option to the old tonal palate. However, I wouldn't drop the $250 or so that they were going for new last time I checked.
 
I picked up a lightly used recent model 55SH for $75. For that, it's a great deal--an omni 57, basically. I've only used it for vocals, but it should work anywhere a 57 does. It has a much better effect on vocalists than the 57 :)
 
I actually use an old 55C made in 1940. It's cardioid, not omni. Amphenol cable, high impedence. Great for singing the blues. What the hell? "A date that will live in infamy"-Richie
 
Yeah, these are cardioid, not omni.

I bought one of these back in 1973 for live work 'cause I thought it looked cool. Pretty much useless for live work. The newer ones might be better, I don't know. My advice? Save your money for something better.
 
I recently got and restored an old 55sw from my uncle, I think it sounds great on my guitar cab when mixed with my tbone ribbon mic. I prefer it over the sound of my 57 on guitars anyway.
 
A couple of sucessful recording engineers that I know here in Seattle swear by the new version (57/58 capsule in a metal body) for micing bass amps.
 
I picked up a 55 from the 40s...I liked it so much I went ahead and got a 51. that one was not so good. they both sound pretty damn good on bass drum though.
 
I've got one. It looks great, it sounds meh. Good one to try the Rode mod on I guess.
 
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